Uttaradhyayan Sutra Mul Path

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, the "Uttaradhyayan Sutra Mul Path," based on the content of the scanned pages:

Book Title: Uttaradhyayan Sutra Mul Path (उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र मूळ पाठ) Author/Publisher: Dr. Jivraj Ghelabhai Doshi (डाक्टर जीवराज घेलाभाइ दोशी) Edition: Second Edition (आवृत्ति २ जी) Publication Year: Samvat 1981 (1925 AD) Printer: Patel Somabhai Dalpatbhai at Shri Prajhitarth Press, Shahpur, Ahmedabad. Language: Gujarati (with the original Prakrit text) Price: Rs. 1-4-0

Overall Purpose: This publication presents the original Prakrit text (Mul Path) of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, a fundamental scripture in Jainism. The stated aim is to make this text accessible to all Jain followers.

Key Information and Context:

• Preface (Page 3):

  • This is the second edition of the original text.
  • The first edition was based on a manuscript by the renowned German scholar Dr. Hermann Jacobi. However, due to printing limitations in Germany, that edition could not be fully corrected.
  • For this second edition, Dr. Jacobi was sent the text again for review. He compared it with other Prakrit versions of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, specifically noting the edition published by J. Charpentier in 1921 (valued at twenty-five rupees).
  • Dr. Jacobi provided corrections and suggestions, for which the publisher apparently paid a fee.
  • Upon receiving the corrected German manuscript, the publisher also obtained a very old manuscript from the Bhandar (collection) of Chhipa Pol in Ahmedabad, believed to be from a great scholar named Dharmasingh Muni.
  • This Ahmedabad manuscript was compared with Dr. Jacobi's corrected text and J. Charpentier's published version.
  • Differences deemed beneficial for the readers were incorporated as variant readings (पाठान्तर) in this edition.
  • A corrigendum (शुद्धिपत्र) is also included, indicating that any readings marked with an asterisk (*) in the main text should be corrected according to the corrigendum.
  • The publisher has kept the pricing accessible, despite current printing costs, to ensure wider availability.
  • The preface emphasizes the importance of memorizing the thirty-six chapters (अध्ययन) for ease of understanding.
  • Readers are encouraged to report any errors found.

• Corrigendum (Page 4 onwards):

  • This section details numerous corrections to the Prakrit text, cross-referencing page number, verse (श्लोक), line (लीटि), the incorrect reading (अशुद्ध), and the correct reading (शुद्ध).
  • It also provides notations like "A. (आ.)" referring to the Ahmedabad manuscript and "Ch. (चा.)" referring to the Charpentier edition, indicating the source of the correction or variant reading.
  • The sheer volume of corrections highlights the meticulous effort taken to ensure accuracy.

• Content of the Sutra (Pages 8 onwards):

  • The text proceeds to present the actual Prakrit verses of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra, chapter by chapter.
  • Chapter 1: Vinaya (Discipline/Conduct) starts with an emphasis on self-control and proper behavior for monks (अणगार). It discusses the importance of humility, respect for elders, and avoiding undesirable conduct.
  • Chapter 2: Pariṣaha (Endurance of Hardships) lists and describes twenty-two types of hardships (परीसह) that Jain monks must endure with equanimity. These include hunger, thirst, cold, heat, vermin, nakedness, discomfort, female company, travel, rejection, and more.
  • Chapter 3: Chaturangika (The Fourfold Path) discusses the four essential elements for liberation: human birth (मानुषत्व), learning of the Dharma (श्रुति), faith (श्रद्धा), and valor in spiritual practice (संयमम्मि य वीरियं). It elaborates on the cyclical nature of birth and death across various life forms.
  • Chapter 4: Asankhya (Immeasurability/Uncountable) emphasizes the impermanence of life and the need for diligence, warning against procrastination and attachment to worldly pleasures.
  • Chapter 5: Akammarana (Accidental Death) contrasts "akammarana" (accidental death) with "sakmamarana" (death resulting from one's actions/karma), highlighting the negative consequences of attachment to sensual desires and the suffering that arises from them.
  • Chapter 6: Khuddaka Agni (Minor Fire/Attachment) discusses the dangers of worldly attachments and the importance of detachment, renunciation, and self-control to overcome the cycle of birth and death.
  • Chapter 7: Elaka (The Goat) uses the analogy of a goat seeking sustenance to illustrate the futility of worldly pursuits and the need for spiritual exertion.
  • Chapter 8: Kapilika (Kapila's Teachings) features a dialogue where Kapila explains the nature of karma, the consequences of actions, and the path to liberation.
  • Chapter 9: Nami's Renunciation: Recounts the story of King Nami who renounced his kingdom and worldly pleasures after experiencing the impermanence of worldly possessions and the suffering associated with them.
  • Chapter 10: Drumapatraka (The Falling Leaf): Uses the analogy of a falling leaf to represent the transient nature of life and urges diligence in spiritual practice.
  • Chapter 11: Bahuśruta (The Learned One): Emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the qualities of a learned monk who possesses self-control, detachment, and wisdom.
  • Chapter 12: Harikeśika: Narrates the story of Harikeśika, a monk who faced persecution and ultimately attained liberation through his steadfast devotion to the Jain path.
  • Chapter 13: Cittasaṃbhūta: Tells the story of Cittasaṃbhūta, who, through his spiritual understanding, guided his brother towards renunciation and liberation.
  • Chapter 14: Uśuyārija: Depicts the teachings of Uśuyārija, highlighting the impermanence of worldly life and the importance of spiritual discipline.
  • Chapter 15: Saṃbhikṣu (The Monk): Focuses on the conduct and virtues of a monk, emphasizing self-control, detachment, and diligent practice.
  • Chapter 16: Brahmacarya Samādhithana (Establishment of Chastity/Celibacy): Outlines ten principles for maintaining chastity and celibacy, crucial for spiritual progress.
  • Chapter 17: Pāpa Saṃmaṇi (Sins/Vices): Enumerates various sins and vices that a monk should avoid, emphasizing the importance of righteous conduct.
  • Chapter 18: Saṃjaya: Features King Saṃjaya's encounter with a monk, leading to his renunciation and eventual liberation.
  • Chapter 19: Miyāputra: Narrates the story of Miyāputra, who renounced his worldly life after witnessing the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the suffering of rebirth.
  • Chapter 20: Mahānirgranthika: Explains the concept of "anātha" (helplessness) in the context of worldly attachments and contrasts it with the liberation achieved through detachment and spiritual practice.
  • Chapter 21: Saṃmudrapāli: Tells the story of Saṃmudrapāli, who attained liberation through renunciation and spiritual practices.
  • Chapter 22: Revantika: Recounts the story of Revantika, who, after witnessing worldly suffering, embraced the Jain path.
  • Chapter 23: Keśi-Gautama Dialogue: Features a profound philosophical discussion between Keśi and Gautama, clarifying various aspects of Jain doctrine.
  • Chapter 24: Samititi (Restraint/Moderation): Details the importance of restraint in actions, speech, and mind, as well as the practice of various disciplines.
  • Chapter 25: Yajña: Explains the true meaning of sacrifice (yajña) in Jainism, which lies not in rituals but in righteous conduct and spiritual discipline.
  • Chapter 26: Sāmācari (Code of Conduct): Encompasses a comprehensive code of conduct for monks, including rules for daily life, posture, speech, and interaction.
  • Chapter 27: Khalluka: Discusses the impermanence of life and the consequences of improper conduct.
  • Chapter 28: Mokṣamārga (Path to Liberation): Defines the path to liberation through the four elements: knowledge, perception, conduct, and austerity.
  • Chapter 29: Samyak-parakrama (Right Effort): Elaborates on the importance of right effort and various practices that lead to spiritual progress.
  • Chapter 30: Tavamārga (Path of Austerity): Discusses the significance of various types of austerities, both external and internal, in purifying the soul.
  • Chapter 31: Caraṇavithi (Conductful Practice): Further elaborates on the principles of conduct and self-discipline.
  • Chapter 32: Pramāda-sthāna (Negligence/Carelessness): Warns against negligence and attachment to worldly pleasures, emphasizing diligence in spiritual practice.
  • Chapter 33: Karma-prakṛti (Types of Karma): Details the classification of karma, its effects, and the process of liberation from it.
  • Chapter 34: Leśyā (Aura/Disposition): Explains the concept of leśyā (a person's spiritual aura or disposition) and its impact on one's actions and destiny.
  • Chapter 35: Aṇagāravrtti (Conduct of the Homeless/Ascetic): Focuses on the life and practices of ascetics, emphasizing detachment and self-control.
  • Chapter 36: Jivā-Ajīva Vibhakti (Distinction between Living and Non-living beings): Provides a detailed classification and description of living beings (Jiva) and non-living substances (Ajiva) within the Jain cosmology.

Significance: The Uttaradhyayan Sutra is considered one of the most important Jain scriptures, offering profound insights into Jain philosophy, ethics, and the path to liberation. This particular edition, with its detailed corrections and comparisons, aims to provide an accurate and accessible version for scholars and devotees alike.